Talk to Your Doctor: Overactive Bladder

In the United States, 20 to 30 million Americans suffer from overactive bladder (OAB), which is one type of urinary incontinence. Although OAB can affect anyone of any age, it is not a normal part of getting older. A lot of patients are too embarrassed to talk about their symptoms with their families and even their doctors, so it often goes untreated. Here are a few facts to keep in mind if you think you may be suffering from overactive bladder.

Overactive Bladder Symptoms

Overactive bladder is a frequent, sudden urge to urinate—seen either with or without urinary incontinence.

Typical symptoms of overactive bladder include:

Difficult to control urge to urinate

Involuntary loss of urine associated with urgency

Urinating eight or more times a day

Waking up two or more times during the night to urinate

Overactive Bladder Causes

There are many possible causes of overactive bladder.

Even though age alone is not a contributing factor of OAB, there are several other things that could lead to an increased urge to go, including:

You can reduce your risk of overactive bladder.

If you are experiencing symptoms, or think you may be at risk of developing overactive bladder, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor. Your health care provider can work with you to find prevention or treatment methods that best fit your needs. To learn more about urinary incontinence issues or to schedule an appointment, please visit the Department of Urology at UPMC website or call 412-692-4100.

The Department of Urology offers a multidisciplinary approach to care, with a team of nationally recognized experts working together to deliver the very latest in diagnostic and treatment options for urologic disease. The experts in the Department are renowned for their expertise in highly specialized technologies and minimally invasive surgical techniques, clinical care, and research.
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